What's recovery after distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy like?

Posted by blw77 @blw77, Jun 6, 2022

Can anyone give me information on how their recovery was after distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy? After 2 years of MRIs every 6 months and watching an MNC slowly but steadily grow, my doctor said that I should have this procedure. I'm 45 and typically a fairly healthy and active female. I'm trying to figure out how much time I'll need to be off of work or if I can manage to squeeze in in during the summer yet while I'm off.

Thank you for any information you have!

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breezygirl | @breezygirl | Aug 11, 2023

Good luck ti you and your partner. My husband just had 50% of his pancreas removed and his spleen removed; plan on 6-8 weeks recovery but so far he is doing well! No heavy lifting but lots of walking helps.

c2pricorn66 | @c2pricorn66 | Aug 11, 2023

In reply to @shezza51 "im in victoria australia" + (show)

My hubby had CT for hernia repair and the specialist at the Gold Coast private found lesion in his pancreas, hernia has to wait. He's had ERCP and gastroscopy and confirmed pNET but encapsulated. PET Scan didn't appear to have spread. Eversince, lots of frustrations, stress, tears, fears and the outcome be like. He is having distal pancreactomy + spleen removed on the 6/9/23 at the GCUH, Australia. I'm his partner n a carer so taking time off from the hospital. As I read through peoples experiences, I am hoping that hell recover quicker,

gardenlady1116 | @gardenlady1116 | Aug 10, 2023

In reply to @shezza51 "lucky you to have laparoscopy !! I have the keyhole scars but it was open surgery..." + (show)

Thank you for sharing your difficult story. Your courage is impressive!

gamaryanne | @gamaryanne | Aug 10, 2023

In reply to @shezza51 "lucky you to have laparoscopy !! I have the keyhole scars but it was open surgery..." + (show)

Wow, you have been through it! My spleen also removed and my gallbladder. I expected to be more prone to colds, viruses, etc but that hasn’t happened thankfully. Did you see a change in your immune system? Do you also see a nutritionist?
Best to you and adjusting to the new you!!

shezza51 | @shezza51 | Aug 10, 2023

In reply to @gamaryanne "Hello, I had the surgery on December 7 laperoscopic. Totally the best way if one can..." + (show)

lucky you to have laparoscopy !!
I have the keyhole scars but it was open surgery due to 1 cyst looking like 1/2 a cauliflower and entangled hence spleen removal which wasnt planned.
Out of hospital Nov 4 --back in for over-nighter due to internal infection mid-jan, mid march & 1st week of April
Blood pressure went from 133/76 to 205/111
Now its August and feeling more like myself
Diet still a challenge and now have Diabetes as part of stapled pancreas died & remainder cannot produce enough insulin
Still better than pancreatic cancer though
Keep dancing in your lounge & smelling flowers & admiring birds every chance you get--happy vibes are what we need
Love & Hugs to all on this challenging path
Cheryl

c2pricorn66 | @c2pricorn66 | Aug 10, 2023

In reply to @colleenyoung "Welcome @faithjlv. I moved your message asking for suggestions and advice prior to your husband's distal..." + (show)

Hello @faithjlv
I am going through what you have gone through. It's terrifying, stressful and lots of tears and fears. My partner is having an operation on the 6/9/23 same thing accidental findings through CT for his hernia. He's had donate, ERCP, MRI , Gastroscopy pNET and PET Scan showing it's encapsulated. How is your husband now ? and his journey ? Hope he recovered well.

cathyras | @cathyras | Jun 21, 2023

In reply to @nhow234 "I had a distal pancreatectomy and spleenectomy at Mayo in November. Surgery went well, just a..." + (show)

yes great advice. The nurse made get up and start walking. I had to use a walker for a little while.

gamaryanne | @gamaryanne | Jun 20, 2023

In reply to @stevm "gamaryanne. Thank you. Agree sunshine, fresh air and walking are all good for keeping your spirits..." + (show)

Hello,
My regimen was different. 12 rounds fulfurinox, Y90, 2 more rounds of folfuri(without the ox) than the pancreadectomy/spleenectomy. I have not taken large doses of radiation treatment, other than all of these scans. My last surgery was liver resection at end of February. Do everything you can to get through the big F-it’s tough but it works

stevm | @stevm | Jun 20, 2023

In reply to @gamaryanne "Guaranteed quick recovery from everything when you travel for fun. Especially if it includes walking and..." + (show)

gamaryanne. Thank you. Agree sunshine, fresh air and walking are all good for keeping your spirits up. I mentioned that I was embarking on 8 cycles of chemo (oxaliplatin, irinotecan and 5Fu) followed by 28 rounds of radiation. Was wondering if you had any tips and advice that would help me get through. If I recall you had a similar regimen. Any advice from your experience would be appreciated. Regard Steve